A HUSBAND accused of murdering his wife on a family holiday is pictured in handcuffs in a Pakistan prison yard.

Abdul Sattar was captured smiling and chained to fellow prisoners on the day a Scots human rights lawyer launched a private prosecution against him.

Mumtaz Sattar, 38, died shortly after she arrived in Punjab from Scotland last September.

Husband Sattar, 40, claimed the couple – of Penilee, Glasgow – were poisoned, robbed and dumped by the roadside after they got a taxi outside the airport.

The Port Glasgow shopkeeper said his wife died from the serious head injuries she suffered when they were thrown out of a moving car. But Sattar became the prime suspect and an expert ruled mum-of-two Mumtaz may have been throttled.

Glasgow lawyer Aamer Anwar took up the case amid fears about the initial police investigation.

And yesterday, Anwar faced Sattar in court as he launched the first murder prosecution in Pakistan involving Scottish lawyers.

Anwar said: “He recognised me instantly and asked me why I was here, to which I simply replied ‘To get justice for Mumtaz Sattar’.”

After being approached by the family, Anwar’s Glasgow law firm raised the case with the Scottish Government and officials in Pakistan, including Punjab governor Mohammad Sarwar – the former Labour MP for Govan.

Sattar was arrested in October and prevented from fleeing to the UK, with which Pakistan has no extradition treaty.

Mumtaz on her wedding day with Sattar (Image: Garry F McHarg)

He was charged with murder along with three accomplices.

Anwar explained: “At an early stage, concerns were expressed by us that basic forensic and investigative steps had not been followed by the police, thus jeopardising the case. Requests for information and offers of assistance by authorities and my firm were made to the Punjab police which were ignored.”

The lawyer said serious allegations of bribery and corruption were made against officers who initially probed the case but were never investigated.

Anwar said: “It was clear I’d have no option but to travel to Pakistan and for my firm to take matters into their own hands.”

Yesterday, Sattar and his accomplices appeared before Nankana Session Court. The judge was advised of the new legal team and the case was adjourned until January 21.

Anwar plans to indict the investigating officers for dereliction of duty and hopes Abdul and his co-accused will go on trial within six months.

The state prosecution, which would involve the police, will “remain in the wings”.

The Sattars were married for 14 years and have two girls aged 10 and 13. They are being looked after by family in Scotland. Police Scotland are investigating claims Mumtaz may have been the victim of domestic abuse.

In October, Mumtaz’s grieving family paid tribute to her and said that they were determined to secure justice. Her sister, Mehnaz Jilani, 29, said: “We know we have a long way to go here but the initial version of the events just did not add up.

“Our sister would always take care of us. She never deserved this horrific attack.”